Astros making DH list, checking it twice

Share this:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Astros manager Bo Porter dreams of a two-way athlete whose long shots cleanly sail over fences and who doesn’t shy away from occasionally picking up a glove.
General manager Jeff Luhnow primarily eyes one asset: run production.

Somewhere between Porter’s desire and Luhnow’s focus is the Astros’ future designated hitter. Just don’t ask for the names of legitimate internal candidates to be revealed.

Ex-Astros star Lance Berkman has often been mentioned. Hideki Matsui briefly snuck back into the picture Tuesday. But two days into MLB’s annual winter meetings, there isn’t a public consensus on Houston’s future DH. And even the Astros’ manager and GM shared slightly different views Tuesday at the Opryland Hotel.

Porter: “We’re looking at the DH more so as a two-way position. Not just a person that’s going to be able to hit but also have a place to go in the lineup.”

Luhnow: “We’re not going to sacrifice the run production to get those other things, because that’s really what we feel like we need most out of that spot.”

Power and timely hitting are essential for an American League-bound club that ranked last out of 30 teams during the 2012 campaign in RBIs (545) and 29th in slugging percentage (.371).

Veteran leadership and a player who can randomly be inserted into the on-the-field lineup are ideal, Luhnow said. But the Astros are expected to struggle mightily at the plate next season. Acquiring a powerful DH via free agency or trade is one way they could take a step forward during the winter meetings.

Arizona’s Jason Kubel is reportedly available after the Diamondbacks signed veteran Eric Hinske to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Nick Swisher is on the market. Carlos Pena and Travis Hafner’s names have been floated.

The Oakland A’s are seeking help at shortstop, but Luhnow wouldn’t comment when asked whether they have shown interest in the Astros’ Jed Lowrie.

Luhnow acknowledged teams in need of pitching have expressed interest in Astros No. 2 starter Bud Norris. Closer Wilton Lopez was pursued by Philadelphia last week and is now drawing interest from Colorado.

With Luhnow hinting Tuesday the Astros could pull off two moves before the winter meetings end Thursday, the DH answer could come within the next 24 hours or at some point during the next couple months.

Porter opened the door to internal candidates, saying J.D. Martinez and Brett Wallace could hold down the spot. But the Astros’ first-year manager ruled out prospect Jonathan Singleton because of inexperience.

Porter and Luhnow are equally aware the Astros need a reliable bat. But the GM appeared to shoot down any real interest in Matsui after Porter brought Godzilla to the surface.
“It’s one of many names,” Luhnow said. “There’s nothing specific that’s been done on that.”

The Astros’ controversial move to the American League is symbolized by the DH. It’s the most important position they have to fill during an offseason of continual change. Getting it right could go a long way in determining whether a rebuilding team is halfway competitive in 2013.

brian.smith@chron.com
twitter.com/chronastros

Big decision

The Astros are in need of a designated hitter with their 2013 move to the American League. After two days of MLB’s annual winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn., there’s no consensus about who Houston will acquire.